IU Kokomo exceeds expectations at annual blood drive

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members potentially saved more than 200 lives this week, rolling up their sleeves to donate 73 units of blood.

Matthew Roller donates blood.As a health sciences student, sophomore Ashley Miller knows the critical need for those donations, which is why she volunteered to plan and work at the annual IU Kokomo Alumni Association blood drive this week.

"I learned from the Red Cross that every unit donated can save three lives," she said. "Every one of our donors made a difference today, and we are thankful for them."

Ryan Bowman, director of alumni relations, was pleased the drive surpassed his goal of 66 units.

"We appreciate all of our donors, and their willingness to help the Red Cross," Bowman said. "I am also proud of our Student Alumni Association members, who planned and directed today's successful blood drive."

The thought of saving someone else's life is what made freshman Michalea Angle decide to donate for the first time. She admitted to being a little afraid at first, but "it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be."

Angle, from Logansport, plans to give blood again in the future.

Sophomore Lauren Kayser makes a habit of donating.

"It makes me proud when I get the little pin that says, 'I gave blood,'" she said. "It reminds me why I want to be a nurse, because giving blood saves lives."